Finally the Spangdahlem Command Post is accessible 24/7 and can be reached at DSN: 314-452-6141 or Comm: 011-49-6565-61-6141. Spangdahlem refuels BTF bombers with VIPER kit for first time (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Trimmell, 52nd Maintenance Group commander, left, Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro, incoming 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, middle, and Lt. Col. John Szczepanski, outgoing 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, right, sing the Air Force song at the conclusion of the 52nd AMXS Change of Command Ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 26, 2019. August 1999 July 2001, Assistant Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 389th FS, Mt Home AFB, Idaho, 5. 8. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander (left), passes the guidon to Col. Leslie Hauck, 52nd Fighter Wing incoming commander July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. The U.S. Army said another nearly 1,300 people were missing as of Monday. Retka, who took over the operations group in August 2017, was in his third year in command, and had already been planning to retire at Spangdahlem, Myers said. Szczepanski received the medal for his accomplishments as the 52nd AMXS commander. [38], On 29 July 2020, it was announced by the Department of Defense that the 480th FS would be re-positioned from Spangdahlem to Aviano Air Base, Italy as part of a plan to withdraw forces from Germany. [I]f you want to understand my leadership style, it would be if its based on increasing combat capability, then youre doing the right thing and keep doing it. If not, lets talk and lets work on trying to get better while taking care of our airmen and families, he added. Then-Lt. Col. Anthony Retka, who was then commander of the 35th Fighter Squadron, boards an F-16 Fighting Falcon during the Max Thunder exercise at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea in 2012. Courtesy of U.S. Air Force (), In a 52nd Fighter Wing tradition, outgoing acting wing commander Col. Lars Hubert, right, passes a saber to incoming wing commander Col. Peter Bilodeau at the wing's assumption of command ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, Friday, July 11, 2014. [8] The continued drawdown of United States forces from Vietnam resulted in the inactivation of 37th TFW at Ph Ct AB on 31 March 1970. Sgt. The mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing is to deliver airpower options to deter and combat aggression. - 5 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Operations Officer at Minot AFB, - 5 Maintenance Squadron Commander at Minot AFB, - 379 Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron Commander at Al Udeid AB. Two months later, he took command of Spangdahlems 480th Fighter Squadron, under Retkas command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, commander of Third Air Force at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, presided over the ceremony. Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report. (A1C Branden Rae/Air Force). 1 ago. Were looking forward to another amazing season with this team. Criminal charges were not filed against Retka, Myers said. [24][25], In March 2012, the 480th deployed to Konya Air Base to take part in Exercise Anatolian Eagle 2012 with the Turkish Air Force, practising SEAD. The 52nd FWs main priorities are deterrence, agile combat employment, and integrated base defense. It's worth noting that the female pilot in the videois not Zoe Kotnik. Col. Leslie Hauck accepted responsibility of the 52nd FW from Col. David Epperson in front of Airmen, local leaders and family, making him the 30th commander since its activation as the 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing in December 1971. Schneider's farm is 600 meters (2,000 feet) from Spangdahlem's runway, and the noise makes him ill. Misawa's group commander was fire as well for being too family oriented. I didnt want to make a big deal of it because the night had just started and I wanted to honor these nice people, Kennedy told Air Force Times. Making mistakes is a part of life. cancer woman and virgo man compatibility 2021 . Before the investigation concluded, Retka decided to retire several months earlier than originally planned, Myers said. Hauck comes from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he served as the commander of the 31st Operations Group. The wing supports the Supreme Allied Commander Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power. F-16 fighter pilot heads from Afghanistan to Spangdahlem to command from around the world. Wing commander briefed the squadron and said it was that he and the group commander "lost faith in his ability to lead." Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. [14][15], In April 2010, the 52nd Fighter Wing's strength was reduced by one third when 20 F-16CJs and one F-16D were transferred to the 179th Fighter Squadron of the Air National Guard. The release did not say when a full-time commander will be selected. Rating: command pilot Flight hours: more than 2,100, including 146 combat hours Aircraft flown: T-3, T-37, T-38, F-15E, F/A-18F, F-35A, and F-16, Distinguished Flying Cross with valor device, Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster. [22] Bilodeau was the vice commander of the 8th Fighter Wing, Kunsan Air Base, Korea before coming to Spangdahlem, according to the Kunsan Air Base installation page. 210320-F-LH638-1120. Jordana Kennedy provided a copy of the investigation report to Air Force Times, which corroborated the report provided by another source. The 52nd Fighter Wing held a change of command ceremony at Hangar 1 here July 15. The base authorized a four-hour delay Wednesday night for personnel coming to work the next day, after rainfall over 12 hours equaled the average for the entire month of July. Bilodeau has been immersing himself into the Spangdahlem community and learning first-hand about the many missions of the . Waters, last seasons Viper Demo pilot has resumed command, so the team is in great hands, and the show will go on. Bilodeau was not relieved for alleged misconduct or wrongdoing, the release said. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. David Epperson, 52nd Fighter Wing outgoing commander (center), passes the 52nd FW guidon to U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, Third Air Force commander (left), as he relinquishes command during the 52nd Fighter Wing Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Retka returned to Kunsan in 2012 as a squadron commander. [30], On 30 May 2014, the 480th FS deployed in support of 52nd OG Det 1 at ask for two weeks. I really hope that the Air Force can grow and move forward in a more positive environment. Shortly after the Kennedys arrived and began chatting with other guests in the center aisle of the dining room, the report said, Retka walked up to the group and pinched or touched a male colonels rear end. Army colonel who oversaw ground zero for US militarys COVID-19 cases is retiring, Gallantry: Biden presents Medal of Honor to retired Army Col. Paris Davis for his heroics in Vietnam, US to send bridge-launching vehicles for tank deployments to Ukraine in new $400M aid package, Japan complains to US over Utah senators remarks on imprisoned Navy officer, Military, VA provide troops, vets more gun safety options to help reduce suicides, Pentagon tells service members to stop displaying giant US flags at major events, K-Town Now features the latest news from the Kaiserslautern Military Community. 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The squadron's F-16s flew 2,259 sorties with a total of 9,000 flying hours during its deployment to Iraq. 480 TFS F-4Ds were originally scheduled for redeployment to Holloman AFB, however, instead were distributed to bases throughout Southeast Asia: Clark Air Base, Philippines; Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base and Udon AB, Thailand; Da Nang AB; and Inspection and Repair as Necessary facilities (IRAN) at Ching Chuan Kang Air Base Taiwan. [12], In late 1983, the 480th TFS, along with the entire 52nd TFW, was tasked with the Wild Weasel mission, being equipped with eight F-4G Advanced Wild Weasels and 16 F-4E Phantom IIs. [14] In October 1991, the squadron was redesignated as the 480th Fighter Squadron. In these types of situations, I never forget that were dealing with real human beings, that I care deeply about, and that we are charged to take care of. Im proud to serve with them, and Im inspired by them. ", What the fuck is motivational mission accomplishment and. 480th Fighter Squadron - Wikipedia 52nd Fighter Wing - Wikipedia He went on to partake in the most prestigious opportunities the USAF has to offer its pilots. I would like to see a legit answer why this guy was shitcanned rather than this run-on full o' buzzwords. 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Change of Command > Spangdahlem Air This was made years before she served in the same squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. 16. Community for current and past members of the US Air Force. Wing commander relieved of post in Germany - airforcetimes.com [32] The pilot ejected safely. Even as I speak, another female pilot from the 20th Fighter Wing is flying combat missions in the Middle East. Maybe some will think the video is humorous and just a product of servicemen and women blowing off steam while stationed half a world away from home. [37] The 480th EFS deployed to Uvda Air Base in Israel between 3 and 14 November 2019 to participate in Exercise Blue Flag 2019. I would like to get my voice back, Kennedy said. Several witnesses said Retka then regularly engaged in the steamrolling pranks, sometimes while naked, the report said. Melody W. Howley). The commander of the 52d Fighter Wing is Colonel David J. Julazadeh. Hauck will be taking command over the 52nd Fighter Wing, which has a total population of 5,000 Airmen and civilian personnel. Hauck assumed command of an F-16 wing dubbed Saber Nation, which is headquartered in rural Spangdahlem. She turned her head and saw it was Retka, who walked away. The wing also supports contingencies and operations other than war. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of 3rd Air Force. [4] The squadron was deployed to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, on 5 February 1966 as part of the USAF buildup in Southeast Asia. Organizational Goals: To successfully accomplish all assigned missions safely and effectively, while at the same time taking care of our Airmen, civilians and their families. Spangdahlem AB Major Units | MilitaryINSTALLATIONS But some access roads were cut off by the water and landslides, base and local officials said. Spangdahlem Air Base official The 480th TFS were the first squadron to shoot down a Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 during the Vietnam War. U.S. Air Force Col. Timothy Trimmell, 52nd Maintenance Group commander, left, gives the ceremonial guidon to Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro, incoming 52nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander, during the 52nd AMXS Change of Command Ceremony at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, July 26, 2019. His retirement ceremony was held Jan. 6 at Spangdahlem. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. Browse or search for Major Units at Spangdahlem AB. Let's just hope Captain Kotnik is being treated with the same understanding as her commanding officer apparently was some 15 years ago. Col. Anthony Retka, who was commander of the 52nd Operations Group at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, was disciplined with an administrative action after an investigation into allegations that. Mike is a photographer in Kaiserslautern, Germany. [5] Tactical Air Command (1957-1959) [ edit] The wing assets remained and were re-designated as the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing when the 12th TFW was moved without personnel or equipment from Cam Ranh Bay Air Base on 1 April 1970, to replace the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing and its units. 2023 Stars and Stripes. New commander brings passion to Spangdahlem. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Things soon became even more uncomfortable for the Kennedys, Jordana said. Commander, 52d Munitions Maintenance Group, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany Colonel THOMAS GRAHAM Commander, 52d Operations Group Colonel LESLIE F. HAUCK III Commander, 52d Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany Colonel STEVEN N. LAMB Commander, 52nd Mission Support Group Colonel WILLIAM H. McKIBBAN All Rights Reserved. . Spangdahlem Spins Up to Counter Russian Threat The Wing Commander's Proclamation ensures Saber families will take necessary measures to prevent home fires and continue to educate themselves on fire prevention safety measures. Lt. Col. Michael Driscoll, who was deputy commander under Retka, is now the groups acting commander. Col. David Epperson, left, the 52nd Fighter Wing's outgoing commander, and Col. Leslie Hauck, the incoming commander, listened to opening remarks from Maj. Gen. Randall Reed, 3rd Air Force commander, during the wing's change of command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Retka reportedly said, Yeah, whats your number? but apologized after being corrected by his wing commander. Spangdahlem Flight Commander Leadership Course inspires courageous - AF As the 3rd Air Force and 17th Expeditionary Air Force commander, Roberson oversees 10 wings in Europe and one air expeditionary wing within USAFE. The commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was relieved of command Tuesday over a loss of faith and confidence in his leadership. From what we can tell, even in the mid-2000s, this video caused quite a stir, although we are unaware at this time of the exact disciplinary actions taken by higher-ups in the chain of command. In a written statement to OSI, Retka denied he inappropriately touched Kennedy and that any contact was incidental and not done with the intent to abuse, humiliate or degrade her or for his own gratification. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, who assumed command of the wing in July, was removed by 3rd Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, according to a U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa release. Hauck is a command pilot with more than 2,400 hours in the F-16, including 285 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. June 2017 June 2018, Vice Commander, 388th Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah. USAF's First Female F-16 Demo Pilot Relieved of Command After Only Two Commander That Fired First Female USAF Demo Team Leader Made This Crass 2023 Stars and Stripes. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau, the commander of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, was relieved of command on Tuesday after less than six months on the job because of loss of. And the time when it was OK to pinch someones butt or rub up against someone or make a derogatory or misogynistic comment, I really want to see those days go away and be behind us.. Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, will keep its fighter mission after the Pentagon's Global Posture Review permanently reversed a Trump administration decision to shift the base's F-16 s to Italy and to cancel plans to move tankers and special operations forces there. USAFE-AFAFRICA commander Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian said Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, that moving Spangdahlem's 480th Fighter Squadron from Germany to Aviano Air Base, Italy, could take some time.. I'm going to guess he failed a PT test. August 2005 June 2008, F-16 Instructor, Assistant Director of Operations, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, 16th Weapons Squadron, Nellis AFB, Nev. 9. This new way of operating is still developing, but with the innovation and flexibility in your blood, Saber Nation leads the way in this new way of fighting, and the rest of us are following you.. The 52nd FW supports the Supreme Allied Commander, Europe with mission-ready personnel and systems providing expeditionary air power for suppression of enemy air defenses, counter air, air interdiction, and close-air support. 2015 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Strategic Studies, U.S. Army War College, Pa. 1. January 2003 - July 2004, student, U.S. Air Force Weapons Instructor Course, 16th . We will develop, care and continue to be innovative as Airmen.. She hopes that by sharing her story, she can help do away with the remnants of a culture that tolerated such behavior by leaders. Organization: 52 Aircraft Maintenance Squadron All Rights Reserved. Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. Her husband told investigators that Retka approached the group directly behind his wife and stood crowded subway close to her, which he described as awkward. July 2004 August 2005, Chief of Weapons and Tactics, 35th FS, Kunsan AB, Republic of Korea. [6], Three years later on 30 April 1962, the 480th TFS was reactivated again under United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) and assigned to the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing. The word here at Spang is bouncing from a medical issue(But that is nonsense) to possible misconduct, but he has not yet been officially charged. [10], The 480th TFS converted to the F-4D by May 1968. Where and When you Joined the AF: I enlisted in Buffalo, New York, in 1996. Spangdahlem bringing back former vice wing commander The 52nd MSG supports the mission of the 52nd Fighter Wing and more than 9,000 Airmen stationed at Spangdahlem. John covers U.S. military activities across Europe and Africa. On 1 April 1959, it was inactivated again due to budgetary reductions. USAFE said Retka chose to retire several months earlier than expected. Off-duty time is for: During my time off, my wife and I like to run, bike and travel. June 2014 June 2015, student, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa. 14. Despite his injuries, he evaded enemy forces for more than 40 days and then, when captured, managed to escape briefly. June 2018 present, Commander, Shaw AFB, S.C. June 2015 June 2017, Senior Military Advisor for Air Warfare Systems, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director of Operational Test & Evaluation, Pentagon, Va. McFall received his commission through the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1993. The 52nd Fighter Wing includes more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel who help maintain and deploy the units F-16 fighters and other military hardware. He comes to Spangdahlem from Aviano Air Base, Italy, where he commanded the 31st Operations Group. The 52nd FW commander oversees all five of the wings groups, who directly support the mission to provide strategic, theater and contract commercial air mobility capability for Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. Retka declined to comment, according to USAFE. This was not an easy decision to make, but I believe it is in the best interest of the men and women of the 52nd Fighter Wing, Roberson said. The video features song, dance, lots of talcum powder, and a big male genitalia puppet. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. She is a 2011. KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany Col. David Epperson spent the night before he relinquished command of the 52nd Fighter Wing at Spangdahlem Air Base in neighboring villages, filling sandbags to help stem widespread flooding after days of heavy rainfall. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kyle Cope), Name/Rank: Lt. Col. Brian Scozzaro However, she didnt want to make a scene and ruin the evening, as she and her husband had gotten a babysitter to be able to go out for the night. Hubert has been vice commander since July 2013. Col. Peter M. Bilodeau. OSI investigators also uncovered reports of more questionable activity by Retka over the years, particularly while he was deployed to Kunsan around 2004. Spangdahlem Air Base | Military Wiki | Fandom But on July 3, exactly two months after the incident at the dinner, Kennedy took command of the 480th Fighter Squadron. It means nothing, and doesn't provide any answers. Although the base is not located in the hardest-hit area, several nearby villages were inundated and roads were closed due to rising waters. All Rights Reserved. For example, the 52nd has increased rotational missions in Poland as part of EUCOMs push to bolster the military presence in the region. The closure of Mildenhall is part of a sweeping reorganization of U.S. forces in Europe recommended by the Pentagon to consolidate infrastructure and save money. Bilodeau, who was removed by Lt. Gen. Darryl Roberson, the commander of the 3rd Air Force, was not relieved for any misconduct or wrongdoing, according to USAFE. Melody W. Howley), U.S. Air Force Col. William McKibban, 52nd Fighter Wing vice commander, stands at parade rest in front of a formation for the 52nd FW Change of Command ceremony July 15, 2021, on Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. As the wings director of staff, Lt. Col. Kennedy had been working directly for former wing Commander Col. Jason Bailey. from around the world. Units - Spangdahlem Air Base from around the world. Saber Nation, I know we are going to face trials and tribulations, but we will continue to conquer them and be 100% mission-ready, whether that be to execute the dynamic force employment on the fly or lead the Air Force in Agile Combat Employment with multi-functional Airmen advancement, Hauck said. During this time it was equipped with the North American F-100D/F Super Sabre and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. The 52nd Fighter Wing includes more than 5,500 military and civilian personnel who help maintain and deploy the units F-16 fighters and other military hardware. The squadron commander was the only person strong enough to break Retkas hold on the pilot, witnesses said. [13], In late 1990, the 480th TFS deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Desert Shield before flying SEAD missions between 17 January and 11 April 1991 as part of Operation Desert Storm. Spangdahlem Wing commander relieved of command : AirForce 28 votes, 23 comments. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hauck is a command pilot with more than 2,400 hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, including 285 combat hours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. May 1997 September 1998, student, Undergraduate Pilot Training, Vance AFB, Okla. 3. He has covered stories for Stripes throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Afghanistan. If you were looking for passive leadership, then you chose the wrong person, Bilodeau said at the time. Witnesses also revealed that in 2004, while he was a captain deployed to Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, Retka engaged in a prank called steamrolling, barging naked into sleeping pilots dorm rooms and rolling over them in bed until they woke up. [5], The unit was reactivated as the 480th Fighter-Bomber Squadron (480th FBS) on 25 September 1957 at England Air Force Base, Louisiana, as part of the 366th Fighter-Bomber Wing. The former commander of the 52nd Operations Group at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany was disciplined after an investigation into accusations that he rubbed his crotch against the rear end of a lieutenant colonels wife at a dinner last year. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, he previously worked for newspapers in New Jersey, North Carolina and Maryland. 2002 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, Ala. 2004 Distinguished Graduate, U.S. Air Force Weapons School, Nellis AFB, Nev. 2005 Masters degree in business administration, Trident University, distance learning program, 2005 Air Command and Staff College, by correspondence, 2009 Distinguished Graduate, Master of Science degree, Special Operations & Low Intensity Conflicts, Naval Postgraduate School. [39][40] The plans to move 480th FS have been put on hold as the new Biden administration looks to review the previous administrations plans to move the squadron to Italy.[41]. Community for current, future, and past members of the US Air Force. Oink, oink. Lieutenant general belittled staff, mocked female airmans weight, IG found. This was not an easy decision to make, but I believe it is in the best interest of the men and women of the 52nd Fighter Wing, Roberson said. 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I know that loss of confidence is a common response from the Air Force, whenever someone is removed from a command position, and I think its important to understand why we take this approach. So does he still get promoted in a couple weeks? It cost him a star. My primary focus remains on motivational mission accomplishment, compassionate care of airmen and their families, and the drive to constantly improve and innovate.. Col. Steven Lamb, 52nd Mission Support Group commander, gives his first remarks during the 52nd MSG change of command ceremony, July 26, 2022, at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. Col. Anthony Retka, former commander of the 52nd Operations Group at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, passes the guidon to incoming 480th Fighter Squadron Lt. Col. Patrick Kennedy during a change of command ceremony on July 3, 2019.